Patterns of farm diversification among households in a coconut-based ecosystem
1990
Fabro, R.M.
Subsistence but diversified, the traditional components of the households farming system consisted mainly of old varieties of temporary crops notably rice, corn, tobacco, vegetables, and rootcrops including few heads of farm animals. There was gradual integration of permanent crops. Farm diversification level variably decreased, to wit: 41 percent were highly diversified having 33 to 44 types of crops and three to four kinds of livestock in an average area of 2.61 hectares; 39 percent were moderately diversified having about a hectare area planted to 22 to 32 intercrops plus two or more types of farm animals; and 20 percent were less diversified with 12 to 21 intercrops without or with one or two types of livestock. Older, experienced and extended households owning relatively larger area and have more economically active members tended to be more diversified than the expanding families who owned or rented smaller areas and having less number of household helps. Sufficiency of capital and ownership of the land also tended to favor farm diversification. The various farm diversification decisions and operations were mainly carried out by the household heads with the support of the economically active children. Only in some strenuous activities like banana or black pepper planting and clearing relatively bigger farm areas where labor was hired. Associated with high level of multiple cropping and farm diversification was a higher gross income, higher adequacy of various consumption needs and better living condition. There are varying perceptions however whether the increase in income necessarily mean "total" improvement in the farmers present socio-economic condition in view of the dwindling farm size, high dependence on market economy and emerging problems on crop and livestock farming.
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